San Diego’s offense gets the headlines, but the Chargers defense has played a big role in the team’s success too. Before the Bolts’ winning streak, they had allowed 38 and 34 points to Pittsburgh and Denver. But in the next seven games, no team scored more than 23 points against the defense and the Chargers allowed 20 or fewer points in five contests. San Diego limited opponents to less than 300 total yards in four games during a seven-game stretch. The Chargers recorded 14 total sacks in games against Kansas City, Oakland and the New York Giants in Weeks 7 to 9. Linebacker Shaun Phillips has been a royal pain to opponents, notching seven sacks and seven tackles for a loss through the first 12 games of the season. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman collected four sacks in that time while cornerback Antonio Cromartie had three interceptions. In the Chargers 32-3 win over Denver in Week 11, the defense forced three turnovers, including two fumbles. Against the Chiefs the following week, San Diego converted four turnovers into scores in a 43-14 rout, including cornerback Paul Oliver’s 40-yard return of a fumble recovery for a touchdown. And in Week 13 at Cleveland, the Chargers took control in the third quarter, holding the Browns offense to just 10 yards in a 30-23 victory. When the playoffs arrive, how far the Chargers advance will likely depend on their defense making some news by making big plays.